The B1 and B2 Visitor Visas

For most people, travel to the United States is the elusive American dream. Every year, thousands of foreigners flock to the U.S. to view the many sights and experience the numerous sounds America can offer. The various landmarks and exciting activities available in the United States make it a very attractive place for vacation and sightseeing. Although there are a lot of interesting places to see and experience, travel to the U.S. is not as easy as traveling to Asia or Europe. If you're planning a pleasure trip to the United States, the very first thing to consider is a B1 or B2 Visitor Visa.

Before a B1/B2 visitor visa can be granted, the B1/B2 visitor visa applicant must be able to prove that he or she has permanent residence abroad and that the visit to the United States is a temporary one. The B1/B2 visitor visa aspirant also needs to ascertain that he/she will leave the United States at the end of the visit, has authorization to enter a foreign land after the trip to the U.S. and has access to ample funds that will enable travel expenses and return fare.

The B1 Visitor Visa (Business)

The B1 Visitor Visa or the Business Visitor Visa is the nonimmigrant visa you need to apply for to gain entry into the United States for a variety of business-related reasons. You may have to get a B1 visitor visa to meet with business contacts based in the United States. Obtaining a B1 visitor visa is also a must to attend technical, academic, professional or commerce-related conventions and definite-dated conferences. A person who intends to resolve property and estate issues in the United States also need to acquire a B1 visitor visa. Moreover, you may need to apply for a B1 visitor visa to do consultation and bargaining on business deals to be done in the U.S. Some people also get hold of a B1 visitor visa to do research or a number file for a B1 visitor visa to attend training programs. A B1 visitor visa may need to be contracted to participate in a sporting event or tournament.

The B2 Visitor Visa (Tourist, Vacation and Medical Treatment)

The B2 Visitor Visa or the Tourist, Vacation and Medical Treatment Visitor Visa is the nonimmigrant visa you should file if you wish to enter the United States for the pleasure-related or medical-related reasons. Apply for a B2 visitor visa to visit and reconnect with family and relatives in the United States. In cases where you need to seek expert medical diagnosis and treatment in the U.S., you have to obtain a B2 visitor visa. You may also need to file a B2 visitor visa to participate in social and community activities to be held in the United States. Dependents of Armed Forces members need to acquire a B2 visitor visa. If you are an amateur performer or athlete, it may be necessary for you to get a B2 visitor visa.

Should your purpose for visiting the United States fall under any of the foregoing grounds, what you need to do is to secure an appointment for a B1/B2 visitor visa interview with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. Waiting times for B1/B2 visitor visa interview appointment and B1/B2 visitor visa processing vary depending on the embassy and consulate in your home country.